Shower curtain apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

In accordance with one embodiment, a shower curtain apparatus is shown. The shower curtain comprises a curtain cartridge holder for connection to a first wall. The shower curtain being adjacent to the shower fountain. The curtain cartridge holder having a length that extends in a vertical direction. The curtain cartridge holder have a free end and an attachment end, such that the free end and the attachment end may be at opposite ends of said length. The curtain cartridge holder further has an exposed side.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to shower curtains, and more particularly to adjustable shower curtains.

2. Description of the Related Art

Shower curtains are typically used for preventing water from escaping a shower enclosure and are normally draped from a shower curtain rod that extends across the opening of the shower enclosure. Such shower curtain rods and the draped shower curtain are considered aesthetically unappealing or undesirable by many people. Such a shower curtain can become easily soiled or stained by constant contact with water, a shower base, or tub enclosure thereby making it undesirable. Moreover, it is somewhat difficult to clean such a shower curtain without having to remove and replace the shower curtain from the shower curtain rod. The task of constantly removing and replacing the shower curtain from the shower curtain rod, in order to clean it and maintain an appealing aesthetic appearance, becomes difficult. Further, undue effort must be expended if the shower curtain is to be positioned. For example, at the side of the shower enclosure wherein the shower curtain is rolled up neatly on the shower curtain rod without substantial wrinkles. Accordingly it would be desirable to have a shower curtain that when not in use is retracted by rolling into a compact wall connector mechanism compartment. Further, it would also be advantageous if the need for a shower curtain rod (or any equivalent cross member for the shower enclosure entry) was eliminated by multiple hinges to lock and hold the curtain in place both vertically and horizontally. Finally it would also be advantageous to have the shower curtain easily removable so that it is straightforward to replace the shower curtain when desired.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, a shower curtain apparatus is shown. The shower curtain comprises a curtain cartridge holder for connection to a first wall. The shower curtain being adjacent to the shower fountain. The curtain cartridge holder having a length that extends in a vertical direction. The curtain cartridge holder have a free end and an attachment end, such that the free end and the attachment end may be at opposite ends of said length. The curtain cartridge holder further has an exposed side.

The shower curtain apparatus may also have an upper support assembly extending horizontally between the top end of the curtain cartridge holder end and an opposing wall. The upper support assembly may have a grove extending the entire length of the upper support assembly. The upper support assembly grove includes a plurality of hacksaw teeth. The enabling a hook to engage a one of the plurality of teeth to hold such hook at a position.

The shower curtain apparatus may also include a curtain having a fixed end and a free end, movable in a horizontal linear direction relative to said fixed end through said exposed side of said curtain cartridge holder, the curtain extending in said horizontal direction from a first position to a second position. The shower curtain apparatus may also include a rod within the curtain cartridge holder having the curtain rapped around said rod. The rod and the curtain are pivotally joined together at one end such that the rod and the curtain are enclosed within the curtain cartridge holder.

The shower curtain apparatus may also include a coil spring 108 within the curtain cartridge holder. The coil spring 108 is attached to the pivot rod thereby resisting pivot rod from rotating as the rapped curtain is pulled opened. The shower curtain apparatus may also include a second rod 106 attached to the free end of the curtain. The second rod 106 enabling a user to apply a uniform pull on the curtain when opening the curtain.

Furthermore, the shower curtain apparatus may have a hook connected to second rod 106 at the top end, enabling the free end of the curtain to be hooked at the second position. A door at the exposed side of the curtain cartridge holder encloses the curtain within the curtain cartridge holder. The door hinged at a first long edge of the curtain cartridge holder having a second detachable long edge.

Additionally, the shower curtain apparatus includes a lower support assembly extending horizontally between the bottom end of the curtain cartridge holder end and an opposing wall. The lower support assembly having a grove extending the entire length of the lower support assembly. The lower support assembly grove have one or more of hacksaw teeth. The hacksaw teeth enabling a hook to engage one of the teeth to hold such hook at a position such that to control how long the length of curtain is opened.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings, in which like numerals represent similar parts, illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the shower curtain assembly in a retracted configuration in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the shower curtain assembly having upper and lower support in a retracted configuration in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the shower curtain assembly having upper and lower support in a semi-retracted configuration in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the shower curtain assembly having upper and lower support in a fully open configuration in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of the shower curtain assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a process of setting up and using a shower curtain apparatus in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the subject matter set forth herein, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

To the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, the term “or” as used in either the detailed description or the claims is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase “X employs A or B” is satisfied by any of the following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the subject matter disclosed herein may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the subject matter disclosed herein. It is to be understood that the embodiments may be combined or that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural, logical, and electrical variations may be made without departing from the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. In the description that follows, like numerals or reference designators will be used to refer to like parts or elements throughout. In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate various operating positions of the shower curtain assembly 10. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the shower curtain assembly in a retracted configuration in accordance with an embodiment. Referring first to FIG. 1, shower curtain assembly 10 includes three components or subassemblies at the highest level. In particular, a curtain cartridge holder 14/100 is vertically attached to a shower enclosure wall 42 adjacent to or in an entry way into, for example, the shower enclosure 18. The curtain cartridge holder 14 as shown in FIG. 1 has a free end and an attachment end. The attached end is attached to the shower enclosure wall 42 by any available means presently available or such that may be available in future. For example, the curtain cartridge holder 14 may be attached to the wall using a glue, fastener, nuts and bolts, or the like, or any combination thereof. The free end of the curtain cartridge holder 14 further has an exposed side.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the shower curtain assembly having upper and lower support in a retracted configuration in accordance with an embodiment. Pivotally connected to the uppermost vertical end of the curtain cartridge holder 14 is an upper support assembly 22 that pivots (on pivot 26) from a first retracted position substantially coincident with the wall assembly 14 to an extended position traversing the opening to the shower enclosure 18. It is to be noted that pivot is only an exemplary embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein.

The shower curtain apparatus may also have an upper support assembly 22 extending horizontally between the top end of the curtain cartridge holder 14 end and an opposing wall. The upper support assembly 22 may have a grove extending the entire length of the upper support assembly 22. The upper support assembly 22 grove includes a plurality of hacksaw teeth. The enabling a hook to engage a one of the plurality of teeth to hold such hook at a position. Additionally, the shower curtain assembly 10 includes a receiver member 30 for receiving the free end 34 of the upper support assembly 22 and thereby supporting this assembly across the shower enclosure opening.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the shower curtain assembly having upper and lower support in a semi-retracted configuration in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the shower curtain assembly having upper and lower support in a fully open configuration in accordance with an embodiment. Regarding the curtain cartridge holder 14, it includes a back plate 38 substantially parallel with and affixed to, for example, a shower enclosure wall 42. Additionally, the curtain cartridge holder 14 includes spaced apart legs 46 that project away from the shower enclosure wall 42 and into the shower enclosure opening. Note that the legs 46 and the back plate 38 may be formed from a single metal piece, or alternatively, may be composed of molded plastic. However, regardless of the composition, the legs 46 and the back plate 38 are connected together for forming an effective support and reinforcement for the upper support assembly 22 when in its retracted configuration. Additionally, since the back plate 38 is affixed to the shower enclosure wall 42 by, for example, double faced tape and/or screws, and since the legs 46 project into the shower enclosure opening, the legs and back plate assist in maintaining water in the shower enclosure 18. That is, water exiting the shower head 50 and collecting on the wall 42 and/or pooling on the ledge 54 can be directed by the legs 46 to stay in the shower enclosure 18. Thus, the lower end of the curtain cartridge holder 14 may sealingly contact the shower enclosure base 58. Moreover, it is preferable that the legs have a width projecting into the shower opening from the shower enclosure wall 42 of approximately ½ inch to 3 inches and more preferably approximately 2 inches.

The shower curtain apparatus may also include a curtain having a fixed end and a free end, movable in a horizontal linear direction relative to said fixed end through said exposed side of said curtain cartridge holder 14, the curtain extending in said horizontal direction from a first position to a second position. The shower curtain apparatus may also include a rod within the curtain cartridge holder 14 having the curtain rapped around said rod. The rod and the curtain are pivotally joined together at one end such that the rod and the curtain are enclosed within the curtain cartridge holder 14.

The shower curtain apparatus may also include a coil spring 108 within the curtain cartridge holder 14. The coil spring 108 is attached to the pivot rod thereby resisting pivot rod from rotating as the rapped curtain is pulled opened. The shower curtain apparatus may also include a second rod 106 attached to the free end of the curtain. The second rod 106 enabling a user to apply a uniform pull on the curtain when opening the curtain.

Additionally, the shower curtain apparatus includes a lower support assembly extending horizontally between the bottom end of the curtain cartridge holder 14 end and an opposing wall. The lower support assembly having a grove extending the entire length of the lower support assembly.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of the shower curtain assembly in accordance with an embodiment. Mounted within the interior of the curtain cartridge holder 14 is a first rod, the rod may be square, substantially cylindrical in shape, or the like and traversing the length of the curtain cartridge holder 14. Furthermore, the shower curtain apparatus may have a hook connected to second rod 106 at the top end, enabling the free end of the curtain to be hooked at the second position. A door at the exposed side of the curtain cartridge holder 14 encloses the curtain within the curtain cartridge holder 14. The door hinged at a first long edge of the curtain cartridge holder 14 having a second detachable long edge.

Substantially similar to the upper support assembly, the lower support assembly grove have one or more of hacksaw teeth. The hacksaw teeth enabling a hook at the lower end of the curtain to engage one of the teeth to hold such hook at a position such that to control how long the length of curtain is opened.

FIG. 6 illustrates a process of setting up and using a shower curtain apparatus in accordance with an embodiment. A method 600 for setting up and using a shower curtain apparatus starts at 602. The method 600 at 602 involves attaching a curtain cartridge holder 14 to a first wall adjacent to a shower system. The curtain cartridge holder 14 having a length that extends in a vertical direction. The curtain cartridge holder 14 including a free end and an attachment end at opposite ends of said length. The process/method 600 moves to 604. At 604, the process 600 involves attaching an upper support assembly 22 extending horizontally between the top end of the curtain cartridge holder 14 end and an opposing wall, the upper support assembly 22 having a grove extending the entire length of the upper support assembly 22.

The method 600 may also include providing a curtain cartridge within the curtain cartridge holder 14 having a fixed end and a free end at 606. The curtain is movable in a horizontal linear direction relative to said fixed end through said exposed side of the curtain cartridge holder 14. The curtain extending in said horizontal direction from a first position to a second position. The process moves to 608 where the process provides a rod within the curtain cartridge holder 14 having the curtain rapped around said rod. The rod and the curtain, pivotally joined together, configured to be enclosed within the curtain cartridge holder 14.

Next step involves attaching a coil spring 108 within the curtain cartridge holder 14 attached to the pivot rod thereby resisting pivot rod from rotating as the rapped curtain is opened at 610. Furthering the process comprises at 612 attaching a second rod 106 to the free end of the curtain, the second rod 106 enabling uniform pull on the curtain. The process 600 moves along to 614 where the method may further include connecting a hook to the second rod 106 at the top end, enabling the free end of the curtain to be hooked at the second position.

Moving on to step 616 providing a door at the exposed side of the curtain cartridge holder 14, the door enclosing the curtain within the curtain cartridge holder 14, hinging the door at a first long edge of the curtain cartridge holder 14 having a second detachable long edge. At 618, the method enabling a hook to engage a one of the plurality of teeth to hold such hook at a position. The flow moves on to 620 where providing a lower support assembly to the shower curtain apparatus, the lower support assembly extending horizontally between the bottom end of the curtain cartridge holder 14 end and an opposing wall, the lower support assembly having a grove extending the entire length of the lower support assembly. The process ends at 620 the lower support assembly grove comprising a plurality of hacksaw teeth, enabling a hook to engage a one of the plurality of teeth to hold such hook at a position.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. While the dimensions, types of materials and coatings described herein are intended to define the parameters of the invention, they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means—plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A shower curtain apparatus, comprising: a curtain cartridge holder for connection to a first wall adjacent to a shower system, said curtain cartridge holder having a length that extends in a vertical direction, the curtain cartridge holder including a free end and an attachment end at opposite ends of said length, said curtain cartridge holder including an exposed side; and an upper support assembly extending horizontally between the top end of the curtain cartridge holder end and an opposing wall, the upper support assembly having a grove extending the entire length of the upper support assembly.
 2. The shower curtain apparatus of claim 1 further comprises a curtain cartridge configured to enclose within the curtain cartridge holder, the curtain cartridge having a fixed end and a free end, the free end movable in a horizontal linear direction relative to said fixed end through said exposed side of said curtain cartridge holder, the curtain extending in said horizontal direction from a first position to a second position.
 3. The shower curtain apparatus of claim 2 further comprises a rod within the curtain cartridge having the curtain rapped around the said rod, the rod and the curtain, pivotally joined together, configured to be enclosed within the curtain cartridge holder.
 4. The shower curtain apparatus of claim 3 further comprises a coil spring within the curtain cartridge attached to the pivot rod thereby resisting pivot rod from rotating as the rapped curtain is pulled from the curtain cartridge.
 5. The shower curtain apparatus of claim 2 further comprises a second rod attached to the free end of the curtain, the second rod enabling uniform pull on the curtain.
 6. The shower curtain apparatus of claim 5 further comprises a hook connected to second rod at the top end, enabling the free end of the curtain to be hooked at the second position.
 7. The shower curtain apparatus of claim 1 further comprises a door at the exposed side of the curtain cartridge holder, enclosing a curtain cartridge within the curtain cartridge holder, the door hinged at a first long edge of the curtain cartridge holder having a second detachable long edge.
 8. The shower curtain apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper support assembly grove comprising a plurality of hacksaw teeth, enabling a hook to engage a one of the plurality of teeth to hold such hook at a position.
 9. The shower curtain apparatus of claim 1 further comprises a lower support assembly extending horizontally between the bottom end of the curtain cartridge holder end and an opposing wall, the lower support assembly having a grove extending the entire length of the lower support assembly.
 10. The shower curtain apparatus of claim 9, wherein the lower support assembly grove comprising a plurality of hacksaw teeth, enabling a hook to engage a one of the plurality of teeth to hold such hook at a position.
 11. A method for setting up and using a shower curtain apparatus, the method comprising: attaching a curtain cartridge holder to a first wall adjacent to a shower system, said curtain cartridge holder having a length that extends in a vertical direction, the curtain cartridge holder including a free end and an attachment end at opposite ends of said length, said curtain cartridge holder including an exposed side; and attaching an upper support assembly extending horizontally between the top end of the curtain cartridge holder end and an opposing wall, the upper support assembly having a grove extending the entire length of the upper support assembly.
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprises providing a curtain cartridge within the curtain cartridge holder, the curtain cartridge having a fixed end and a free end, movable in a horizontal linear direction relative to said fixed end through said exposed side of the curtain cartridge holder, the curtain extending in said horizontal direction from a first position to a second position.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprises providing a rod within the curtain cartridge having the curtain rapped around said rod, the rod and the curtain, pivotally joined together, configured to be enclosed within the curtain cartridge holder.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprises attaching a coil spring within the curtain cartridge attached to the pivot rod thereby resisting pivot rod from rotating as the rapped curtain is opened.
 15. The method of claim 12 further comprises attaching a second rod to the free end of the curtain, the second rod enabling uniform pull on the curtain.
 16. The method of claim 15 further comprises connecting a hook to the second rod at the top end, enabling the free end of the curtain to be hooked at the second position.
 17. The method of claim 12 further comprises providing a door at the exposed side of the curtain cartridge holder, the door enclosing the curtain cartridge within the curtain cartridge holder, hinging the door at a first long edge of the curtain cartridge holder having a second detachable long edge.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the upper support assembly grove comprising a plurality of hacksaw teeth, enabling a hook to engage a one of the plurality of teeth to hold such hook at a position.
 19. The method of claim 11 further comprises providing a lower support assembly extending horizontally between the bottom end of the curtain cartridge holder end and an opposing wall, the lower support assembly having a grove extending the entire length of the lower support assembly.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the lower support assembly grove comprising a plurality of hacksaw teeth, enabling a hook to engage a one of the plurality of teeth to hold such hook at a position. 